Immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against severe illness from viruses that spread during the fall and winter respiratory season.
Find out about flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations.
Immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against severe illness from influenza (flu) or COVID-19.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to help protect you during respiratory illness season this fall and winter. Immunizations are available at no cost to eligible people 6 months and older in BC.
Make sure you or your child are registered with the
Get Vaccinated system. You must be registered to book an appointment or to receive a notification. If you have already registered, you do not need to register again.
Notifications to book appointments for flu and COVID-19 immunizations will be sent between October 7, 2025, and into November to everyone 6 months of age and older who is registered with the Get Vaccinated system.
Use the notification to book your appointment
You can book your influenza and COVID-19 vaccines appointments at the same time. Select a date and time at a health authority clinic or community pharmacy near you. If needed, you can easily reschedule your appointment online.
If an appointment is not available when you try to book, please check in at a later date as more appointments will be added as inventory continues to arrive.
Immunization appointments will begin on October 14, 2025, starting with those at highest risk of infection or severe illness.
Call 1-833-838-2323 if you have questions.
You may also be able to book an appointment with your primary health care provider, if they offer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
Many pharmacies will be offering walk-in appointments. Check with your local pharmacy.
If you have not received a flu or COVID-19 vaccine in BC, you may need to register in the Get Vaccinated system to receive your notification to book an appointment. You can register yourself or someone else, like a parent, grandparent or child.
Once registered, you can use the Get Vaccinated system to book appointments when you receive a notification.
All B.C. residents 6 months and older can get an influenza vaccine at no cost in the fall and winter.
While anyone can get sick with influenza, it's strongly recommended that people at high risk of severe disease and complications get immunized, including:
- Adults 65 years and older
- People of any age living in long-term care or assisted living
- People who are immunocompromised or have a chronic illness
- Indigenous people six months of age and older
- Children 6 months to under 5 years
- People who are pregnant
The vaccine is also strongly recommended for people who can spread the virus to those at high risk and those who provide essential community services like health care workers and first responders.
Enhanced vaccines are available for seniors
To help create a stronger immune response, enhanced vaccines are available for people 65 years and older.
Influenza can cause serious illness in children
Younger children are at higher risk from respiratory illnesses. To prevent serious illness, get your child immunized every year.
It's safe for your child to get their influenza vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.
The vaccine is usually given as 1 dose in the fall each year. Children under 9 who have never had an influenza vaccine need 2 doses, 4 weeks between each dose. The second dose is important to raise their level of protection to their first dose.
All B.C. residents 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost in the fall and winter.
While anyone can get sick with COVID-19, some people are at much higher risk of severe disease and complications, and vaccines are strongly recommended for:
- Individuals 6 months and older who have underlying health conditions and are considered clinically extremely vulnerable
- Adults 65 years and older
- Indigenous peoples six months of age and older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and assisted living facilities
- People who are pregnant
The vaccine is also strongly recommended for people who provide essential community services like health care workers and first responders.
Updated vaccines for 2025-26
Updated mRNA vaccines based on the LP.8.1 variant are available this fall and winter. Health Canada has a thorough approval process to make sure approved vaccines are safe and effective. Find the latest
approved vaccines in Canada.
Non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are not currently available. If you are not able to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, speak to your health care provider about treatment options if you get sick with COVID-19.
How many doses?
Everyone 6 months and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.Some people may need additional doses depending on their age, medical conditions and vaccination history.
Call 1-833-838-2323 if you have questions.
There are printable handouts available for download about COVID-19 immunizations for people who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable. Review the handouts on the
Vaccine Considerations page.
Timing and previous doses
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends getting the updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine at least 3 months after your last dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
This interval may be shorter for the primary series depending on your age, medical conditions and COVID-19 vaccination history.
Timing of immunization after infection
If you've recently had a positive COVID-19 test result, the chance of getting COVID-19 again is low in the months after infection. You can generally wait 3 months for your next vaccine dose. The immune response is better when there is more time between infection and vaccination.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) There are two products that can help protect infants and young children them from severe RSV:
- Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody medicine for certain infants and young children at higher risk
- RSV vaccine for people who are pregnant
High risk infants
Nirsevimab is offered to certain infants and young children under 2 years old during or just before RSV season through the BC Infant RSV Immunoprophylaxis Program. Examples of eligible children include:
Some premature babies
Infants and young children with certain chronic medical conditions
Infants under 6 months living in remote communities where health care access is more limited or living in congregate settings like supportive housing.
Many eligible babies receive the medicine before leaving the hospital, while others may get it at a public health clinic or community health centre. Families of eligible infants and young children may be contacted by a health care provider.
Pregnant people
A vaccine (Abrysvo™) can be given between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and can protect infants from severe RSV. It works best if given at least two weeks before birth, so the antibodies have time to reach your baby.
In BC, the cost of the RSV vaccine is generally not publicly covered. This vaccine is free for pregnant people with First Nation Health Benefits through the
First Nations Health Authority. The vaccine is available for purchase from pharmacies for other British Columbians.
Two RSV vaccines are available to protect older adults from RSV. Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends the RSV vaccine for:
- Adults 75 and older, especially those at higher risk of severe RSV disease
- Adults 60 and older living in nursing homes or other chronic care facilities
Adults 50 to 74 who are not in these groups can talk to their health care provider to see if the vaccine is right for them.
The vaccine is given as one dose, and works best if given just before RSV season begins. RSV season is in the fall and winter, when the virus is most active.
This vaccine is available for purchase from pharmacies.
You can eat and drink right up to your appointment time.
Bring your Personal Health Number if you have one. You can find your Personal Health Number on the back of your B.C. driver's licence, BC Services Card or CareCard.
Wear loose-fitting clothing for easy access to the arm and shoulder. Vaccines are given by injection into the muscle on your shoulder.
If you are sick or have symptoms like cough or fever, stay home and wait until you feel better to get your vaccine.
Depending on the pharmacy or clinic you visit, the steps once you arrive may vary. At most sites, the process will work like this:
- Your ID will be verified and you’ll be asked to wait for an available immunizer.
- For modesty, you can ask for a private location to get your vaccine.
- Once you are with an immunizer, they will ask you to give your consent to be vaccinated.
- You will receive your vaccine.
- You will be provided information on care after getting immunized.
- You will be asked to wait for 15-30 minutes in a waiting area after you receive your vaccine to be monitored. About one in 1 million people will experience a severe allergic reaction. By staying in the clinic, a health care provider can respond in the event this happens. Tell a health care provider if you feel unwell after your vaccine.
- You can leave the pharmacy or clinic.
Pain or fear of needles
Pain or fear associated with vaccinations can cause stress and anxiety.
Get tips for a positive immunization experience for:
Side effects are common a day or two after getting a vaccine. These can include:
- Pain, redness, itchiness or swelling in the arm, where the vaccine was given (right away and/or 7 days after)
- Swollen lymph nodes under the armpit
- Tiredness or headache
- Fever and chills
- Muscle or joint soreness
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Children experience similar side effects as adults, though may experience some of them, like headache, chills and fever, more often.
Most side effects are not serious and should go away on their own. Some side effects are a sign that the vaccine is working and your immune system is building a response.
Apply a cool, damp cloth or wrapped ice pack to painful areas.
Take medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) if you wish to ease discomfort. ASA (e.g. Aspirin) should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age. If you are pregnant, do not take ibuprofen; treat discomfort or fever with Tylenol instead.
Some of the side effects of the vaccine are similar to symptoms of respiratory illness. The vaccine will not cause or give you influenza or COVID-19.
If you are worried about your symptoms, contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1.
Serious side effects and adverse events
Serious side effects after getting the vaccine are rare. Seek medical attention or call 9-1-1 right away if you develop any serious side effects or a severe allergic reaction including:- Hives
- Swelling of the face, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling of a rapid or abnormal heart rhythm.
When you see a healthcare provider, let them know that you received a vaccine recently so they can report the issue to local public health if they suspect your symptoms were related to the vaccine.
Rare cases of heart inflammation have been reported following the COVID-19 vaccine. Watch for these symptom for 7 days after your vaccine:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling of a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart that does not go away with rest or is accompanied by other symptoms.
- If you experience any of these symptoms
- Seek medical attention right away
Tell your healthcare provider you recently got a COVID-19 vaccine.
How to report adverse events
Please report any adverse events to your immunizer, healthcare provider, or doctor following your vaccination. Healthcare providers are trained to report these events to the correct channels to monitor vaccine safety.
If you have questions about side effects or a possible reaction to the vaccine, contact HealthLink BC by calling 8-1-1.
Visit HealthLink BC to find printable or downloadable handouts on vaccination aftercare for:
- Infants and young children
- School-age children and teens
- Adults
To top
When you get vaccinated, your information will be entered into the Provincial Immunization Registry and will be accessible to you, public health, and your care providers.
Access your immunization record
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Online:
Health Gateway provides secure and convenient online access to your health records, including immunizations, lab test results, medications, and more. You need a mobile BC services card to register.
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Phone: Call 1-833-838-2323 to request a mailed copy of your immunization record.
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In person at a Service BC office: You can get a printed copy of your immunization record at all Service BC Offices.
If your
Health Gateway immunization records are incomplete, you can update your record in the Provincial Immunization Registry. You may need to submit proof of vaccination if you were immunized in another province, territory or country or if your immunization records were not submitted by the health care provider (i.e. travel clinic, primary care providers).
